Give the future a "peace" of your mind?
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· 4 viewsWhat advice do I give to the graduating class of 2019?
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Introduction
Introduction
Living in a dorm room is an experience! All I ever wanted was peace.
For a small town kid, I was extremely nervous about leaving the Graham bubble to pursue a future.
Many emotions come up.
What advice do I want to give our graduates of 2019?
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
1. Choose joy every day. (v. 4-5)
1. Choose joy every day. (v. 4-5)
The church in Philippi were struggling with doubt and fear as they were set in the midst of a hostile world.
They were often tempted to be distressed.
Paul appealed that the church was to choose joy when they felt distressed. The joy of the Lord.
This would impact their attitudes toward others.
“Gentle spirit”
From Greek root, “to yield”. Being considerate towards one another.
The people had grace in their lives from God who is not strict on people as they deserve.
Paul was urging the people not to be harsh towards one another, but gentle.
Why? Because Jesus is ready and waiting to come back at any time.
What’s the point of holding onto issues in this world when it’s so close to ending?
The process of adulthood brings little problems (Who drank the milk?) and big problems (flunking, bills, etc).
The rigors of this world and time prompt us to respond. We don’t get to choose our circumstance, but we do get to decide how we will respond.
I encourage you to choose joy.
What does this attitude look like?
It starts with Christ and ends with Christ.
Do you have a true relationship with Him?
When you have Jesus at your side, you always have a place to direct your attention no matter how good or bad things are.
Instead of treating others harshly we can let the Lord prompt our gentleness with people.
We can see every situation differently.
Choose joy at every cost. It will bless your life.
2. You wont have peace until you let go. (v. 6-7)
2. You wont have peace until you let go. (v. 6-7)
Verses 6-7 have become a blessing and encouragement for every age.
Anxiety, an uneasy feeling of uncertainty, agitation, dread, or fear.
Common reaction to stressful circumstances.
Betrays a lack of trust in God’s care.
Paul wrote the freedom from anxiety comes when we refer all our distresses and problems to God in prayer.
Prayer - general needs.
Supplication - specific needs.
Thanksgiving, gives effect to prayer and frees from anxious carefulness by making all God’s dealings matters for praise.
Philippi was a Roman town. They were a garrison town.
They were familiar with the sight of a Roman sentry watching over the safety of the town from outside forces.
Life is hard and it can be scary.
You can’t avoid this.
God never intended for you to carry it all on your own.
Tell Him what scares you.
God’s peace with garrison and protect your hearts and your minds.
It’s a promise.
Let me warn you. This peace won’t come if we aren’t willing to let go.
Once your hands are empty, God will supply your need.
3. Focus on qualities that bring life. (v. 8-9)
3. Focus on qualities that bring life. (v. 8-9)
Paul displayed the use of ethical lists.
true - sincere
honest
just - toward others
pure - chaste
lovely - lovable
of good report
Rather prolong the list, he added “anything worthy of praise’.
We are to think on these things.
My friend Jef has a list of these things.
What nurtures true peace in your life?
Not sinful behavior that makes you feel good.
Aspects of life that bring your mind to true joy and peace.
Make a list.
Do the things on the list.
The three life lessons I just gave you are life breathing.
Paul wrote for us to take them to heart and live by them.